Surrounding New Zealand’s largest city, the Auckland wine region covers a wide range of climate and soil types. The traditional winemaking districts of Henderson, Kumeu and Huapai are located northwest of Auckland and are known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. A notable area that has become fashionable for red wines is Waiheke, a tiny Auckland harbor island that is hotter and drier than the mainland during the critical ripening period.
